Ripley's Aquarium was evacuated for a bomb threat on Thursday morning, the second one in less than a month. The Gatlinburg Police...

Ripley's Aquarium was evacuated for a bomb threat on Thursday morning, the second one in less than a month. The Gatlinburg Police Department said no credible threat was found after Ripley’s Aquarium was evacuated for a bomb threat Thursday morning. In a now-deleted Facebook post, Ripley’s said it conducted a “coordinated safety drill.” Gatlinburg Police Department, Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, Sevierville Police Department and the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office responded with K-9 units and searched the facility. GPD said no credible threat or evidence of an explosive device was discovered. The investigation into the source of the threat remains ongoing. At 10:15 a.m., Ripley's Aquarium posted to social media and said it "participated in a coordinated safety drill alongside Gatlinburg and surrounding county emergency response agencies." "In light of the recent increase in false swatting calls impacting zoos and aquariums across the country, exercises like these are an important part of ensuring we are fully prepared to protect our guests, team members, and animals," Ripley's Aquarium wrote. "We are grateful to the law enforcement officers, first responders, emergency personnel, and team members who helped make today’s safety exercise a success and who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. We appreciate the patience and support of our community as we continue prioritizing safety for everyone who visits our aquarium." The social media post was deleted by 11:06 a.m. https://lnkd.in/gZwbkkhU